HONG KONG, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Monitoring marine life helps scientists track ecosystem health, improve conservation, and manage fisheries. A promising approach is environmental DNA (eDNA), which refers to trace genetic material naturally released into the water by organisms, such as skin cells, mucus and excreta. By analysing eDNA in water samples, scientists can determine which species are present in a given body of water without the need to physically capture or observe the organisms. This method is of great significance for monitoring marine ecosystems and conserving biodiversity. In practical applications, however, DNA concentrations in seawater are extremely low, making it difficult for traditional membranes to capture it effectively.
A research team from City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), in collaboration with researchers from several other universities, has successfully developed a novel functionalised membrane that significantly improves the efficiency of collecting and detecting marine organisms' eDNA, providing a more sensitive and reliable technical tool for monitoring marine biodiversity.
The CityUHK team was led by Professor Kenneth Leung Mei-yee, Vice-President (Research) and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Health (SKLMEH); and Professor Zeng Zhiyuan from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the SKLMEH. The study, titled "A tailored MoS2 membrane with strong DNA-binding capability enhances aquatic biota detection through environmental DNA metabarcoding", was published in the leading international journal National Science Review.
The research team coated the surface of a common membrane with an ultra-thin layer of 2D material molybdenum disulphide (MoS₂), enabling the membrane to capture DNA in water more effectively. Experimental results show that this novel membrane significantly improves the detection sensitivity of fish eDNA in both laboratory and field tests.
In controlled experiments, the researchers successfully used the membrane to accurately identify a variety of tropical coral reef fish, including Acanthurus dussumieri, Chrysiptera cyanea, Dascyllus trimaculatus, Microcanthus strigatus, and Paracanthurus hepatus.
For field testing, the research team conducted on-site sampling tests at the Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park. The results showed that the new filter membrane could detect a greater number of fish species, including anchovies, flathead gray mullet and carangid fish, without affecting the overall assessment of the fish community, demonstrating its potential for applications in practical marine monitoring.
"The membrane is simple to prepare and cost-effective, and can be directly integrated into existing water sampling filtration processes. It is expected to find future applications in marine conservation, ecological surveys and long-term environmental monitoring, and is particularly suitable for use in marine areas rich in biological resources but difficult to survey," noted Professor Leung.
He added that the Ministry of Ecology and Environment is currently promoting the use of eDNA technology in biodiversity surveys, and that the research team's innovative technology will support and drive the development of this technology.
The corresponding authors of this study include Professor Leung; Professor Zeng; Professor Huang Bolong from the Department of Chemistry at CityUHK; and Professor Qiu Jianwen from the Department of Biology at Hong Kong Baptist University. The findings demonstrate the interdisciplinary integration of advanced materials science and environmental ecology research, creating new avenues for more precise and sensitive marine biological monitoring technologies.
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CityUHK team invents novel eDNA membrane to advance understanding of inshore fish diversity
Joint opening with MOGSEC and EIC strengthens links between Malaysian OGSE capabilities, international project pipelines and growing regional energy opportunities
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 2, Oil & Gas Asia (OGA) 2026 opened with a stronger focus on market access, project opportunities and cross-border business connections, bringing Malaysian and international energy companies together as the industry responds to shifting demand, supply-chain pressures, technological change and the transition towards more resilient energy systems.
The 22nd edition of OGA, taking place from 2 to 4 September 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, is co-located with the Malaysian Oil, Gas & Energy Services Exhibition & Conference (MOGSEC) and EIC Connect OGA. Together, the three platforms bring Malaysian OGSE capabilities, international project opportunities, technology, investment and industry expertise into closer contact.
The joint opening was officiated by PETRONAS President and Group Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik, alongside Informa Markets Malaysia Chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Mamat, Energy Industries Council (EIC) Regional Director, Asia Pacific Syed Saggaf Syed Ahmad, Malaysian Oil, Gas & Energy Services Council (MOGSC) President Zahris Sham Abu Musa and Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation (MPRC) President and Chief Executive Officer Mohd Yazid Jaafar.
For Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Mamat, Chairman of Informa Markets Malaysia, the value of OGA lies in bringing companies, capabilities and markets together at a time when the energy industry is undergoing significant change.
"OGA connects businesses with decision-makers, technology providers with potential users, investors with opportunities, and Malaysian companies with regional and international markets. And very often, a conversation that begins here can lead to a partnership, an investment or a new business opportunity," said Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Mamat.
The commercial potential of such connections was demonstrated at OGA 2025, which attracted more than 33,000 attendees from 81 countries and 2,000 participating brands and companies, generating US$42.17 million in reported potential business for exhibitors.
OGA 2026 is expected to attract more than 30,000 trade attendees, alongside 2,000 participating brands and companies, more than 40 industry speakers and eight international pavilions from Australia, China, Germany, India, Italy, Singapore, South Korea and the United Kingdom. Notably, 35% of exhibitors are new to OGA this year, bringing a wider mix of companies and capabilities to this year's edition.
The international profile of the event is further strengthened by a new pavilion from Western Australia, bringing additional companies, capabilities and perspectives to OGA. The event is also collaborating with Timor-Leste, strengthening links with an emerging energy market and creating another avenue for cooperation.
The participation of new and international players is supported by PETRONAS, as Corporate Sponsor, and Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation (MPRC), as National OGSE Development Partner. For Malaysia's OGSE sector, stronger regional and international links are increasingly important as companies seek to build capabilities, adopt new technologies and identify new markets.
"For MPRC, being the National OGSE Development Partner at OGA 2026 gives us an opportunity to bring government and industry closer and move forward together on an important conversation: Not just about where the oil and gas services industry is today, but about where Malaysian companies will find their next source of growth." said Mohd Yazid Jaafar, President and CEO of MPRC.
That focus on domestic capability is reflected in MOGSEC, which returns for its eighth edition, co-organised with MOGSC. Bringing together emerging companies from Malaysia's OGSE sector, MOGSEC puts local capabilities in the spotlight, creating opportunities for service providers to showcase their expertise and connect with regional and international stakeholders. Its SME Pavilion further provides a dedicated platform for smaller companies to build connections and pursue new business opportunities.
The international business dimension is strengthened through EIC Connect OGA, delivered in partnership with the Energy Industries Council. The platform brings international energy companies, technology providers and service organisations together to explore project pipelines, market intelligence, investment opportunities and potential partnerships, with a focus on markets including Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Indonesia.
Beyond the exhibition floor, OGA's conference and knowledge programme, including the SPEAK OGA C-Suite Series, brings industry leaders, technical experts and policymakers together to examine market developments, operational efficiency, digital transformation, energy transition, talent development and emerging technologies, with a focus on how businesses are responding to a changing operating environment.
OGA Industry Plus, supported by SBM International Trading FZCO, further expands industry engagement by encouraging broader participation and peer-to-peer networking across the energy community.
Across the three days, OGA 2026 will also host a series of targeted business engagements, leadership roundtables, investment forums, talent sessions and technical dialogues, bringing together stakeholders from specific markets, sectors and communities across the wider energy ecosystem.
The event is supported by industry partners across the energy value chain, including Platinum Sponsors Velesto Energy and EPIC Berhad; Gold Sponsors Octave and ANP; Silver Sponsors Yokogawa, MHH Condition Monitoring Sdn Bhd and Vantris Energy Berhad; General Sponsors ENE Petro Services Sdn Bhd, FPT Corporation, Prometheus Group and KMIRA; and OGA Industry Plus sponsor SBM International Trading FZCO.
OGA 2026 continues at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre until 4 September, bringing together the regional energy community for three days of business, industry dialogue and technology showcase.
For more information and visitor registration, visit www.oilandgas-asia.com
Notes to Editors
About Oil & Gas Asia (OGA)
Oil & Gas Asia (OGA) is one of Southeast Asia's premier platforms for the oil, gas and energy sector. Organised by Informa Markets Malaysia, the exhibition and conference convene policymakers, national and international energy companies, engineering and technology providers, investors and solution partners to explore emerging opportunities, showcase innovation and drive business growth across the energy value chain. As the industry's leading meeting place for knowledge exchange, investment and technology advancement, OGA supports the development of a resilient, competitive and sustainable energy ecosystem by facilitating market access, strategic partnerships and industry insights that shape the future of energy in Southeast Asia. For more information, visit www.oilandgas-asia.com.
About Informa Markets
Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate, and grow. Our portfolio comprises more than 450 international B2B events and brands across markets, including Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience, and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content, and actionable data solutions. As the world's leading exhibition organiser, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them thrive 365 days a year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.
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OGA 2026 Opens with Stronger Focus on Market Access, Regional Projects and Energy Opportunities
OGA 2026 Opens with Stronger Focus on Market Access, Regional Projects and Energy Opportunities
